2012 Toyota Prius PHEV (photos)

Finally bowing to the interests of owners, Toyota comes out with a Prius hybrid that can be plugged in, and operated as an electric vehicle for about 13 miles.

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After much prodding by enthusiasts, Toyota has finally come up with a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid. The advantage of a plug-in is that the battery pack can be charged from the grid, so the car can spend more time running on electricity.

Toyota swapped the Prius' standard nickel metal hydride battery pack for one composed of lithium ion cells. Although lithium ion has greater energy density, Toyota had to pack more batteries in to give the car 13 miles of electric range and the ability to go up to 62 mph under electric power.